Activating a Hobby Phone anonymously?

NerdKing's Avatar
The last prepaid phone I used required activation from a working phone number and that phone number got lots of calls when my minutes were nearly up. Are there any that avoid this? Thought about a pay phone, but haven't seen one of those in a long while.

Suggestions? I don't want anything to be tied back to me.
Probably an 800 # to call. Go to a hotel. Ask the desk if you can use the lobby house phone...they should say yes and connect you to an outside line or dial the 800 # for you.
I'm trying to get a google voice invitation.
I'm trying to get a google voice invitation. Originally Posted by SP Hunter
Sent.

Kisses,

- Jackie
Dstorm's Avatar
Some prepaids can be activated different ways with differing amounts of info provided.
Which brand did you use?
Tracphone and Virgin Mobile had options where you did not have to have a working number, in fact at Wal-Mart, you could have the electronic counter clerk call and activate the phone for you if you bought it there. That was about a year ago and things change fast.
You could google the various phone suppliers and they should have activiation info available online.
NerdKing's Avatar
It was a Verizon prepaid. I think I'll try a tracfone.
Sent.

Kisses,

- Jackie Originally Posted by jackie@sintropolis
Sweet...........THANK YOU BEAUTIFUL
boo-boo bear's Avatar
With cash, go to Walmart and purchase a prepaid phone. My choice was NET10. Paid with cash, no problems or questions. Went to a pay phone, called the number and activated it with cheesy micky mouse answers to the questions. When the time is about to expire, I go back to Walmart, purchase another card with cash, go to a different pay phone and add the minutes. Very easy, quick and convenient.
yeah i am the same as boo bear. also to answer the no payphones. waffle house always have one stashed at their locations. the only prob is that net10 mintues are expensive and they expire quickly. hope this helps.
GneissGuy's Avatar
yeah i am the same as boo bear. also to answer the no payphones. waffle house always have one stashed at their locations. the only prob is that net10 mintues are expensive and they expire quickly. hope this helps. Originally Posted by bodyofagodbudha
With AT&T and probably others, you can get a rechargeable card for refills at 7-11 or Walmart. Text the card number from your phone the first time. Take the card back where you bought it, add money with cash and the refill happens without any further action.

The AT&T phones can be activated over the internet. Find a wireless hotspot somewhere and use a laptop.
Dstorm's Avatar
With AT&T and probably others, you can get a rechargeable card for refills at 7-11 or Walmart. Text the card number from your phone the first time. Take the card back where you bought it, add money with cash and the refill happens without any further action.

The AT&T phones can be activated over the internet. Find a wireless hotspot somewhere and use a laptop. Originally Posted by GneissGuy
for better security, use an internet cafe, or sometimes higher end car dealerships have open computers for customers waiting for repairs.
No logins etc required, just go in like you are getting your car worked on and jump on real quick.

Using a laptop from a hotspot requires you to either 1) use you existing ISP, in which case the fact that you where at a hotspot is mute, or, 2) use an account setup with that hotspot provider, in which case you have usually paid with a CC or given up personal info.
rgvpapi's Avatar
find a local Pocket Wireless place, preferrably a hole in the wall type place on the bad side of town where you can make your payments also.

Guarantee they aint asking for ID...
GneissGuy's Avatar
for better security, use an internet cafe, or sometimes higher end car dealerships have open computers for customers waiting for repairs.
No logins etc required, just go in like you are getting your car worked on and jump on real quick.

Using a laptop from a hotspot requires you to either 1) use you existing ISP, in which case the fact that you where at a hotspot is mute, or, 2) use an account setup with that hotspot provider, in which case you have usually paid with a CC or given up personal info. Originally Posted by Dstorm
There are many free wireless hotspots that require no ID of any kind.
Boost Mobile...They will accept any name giving..They let you choose your own Area Code..No address questions asked...$50.00 month Unlimited everything..Calls, Text etc...
Logan's Avatar
  • Logan
  • 02-13-2010, 03:22 PM
Always purchase your hobby phone with cash and refuse to purchase from an establishment that requires any form of ID for a prepaid phone purchase. You should activate your phone at a payphone. You can find these in lower income areas or in tourist areas. You will only have to use a payphone once.....

....When registering, do not give your real name or real info, but you can create a fake name and I would recommend something really common and generic. Importantly, purchase your refill minutes with cash and at establishments that don't require ID. You can easily do this at RaceTrac, stores in lower income areas or stores in predominately Hispanic neighborhoods....

....Once you get your pin # for more minutes, no need to call a number to add them...your prepaid phone should have an option for inputting your Pin # directly into the phone, which will then receive the new prepaid minutes in a matter of seconds. This keeps you from having to use a payphone again....

...Lastly, only use your hobby phone for hobby related activities...that means do not use it for calling or texting anyone in your "real" life that you can be connected to. Never link it to your real identity or people that you know. If you follow all of these recommendations, you won't have any problems with your hobby phone and anonymity. Good luck!